For almost a year, I found myself toting around two light switches in my purse. Yes, you read that right—two light switches! One was a classic white toggle, and the other, an off-white, three-way rocker.
Why would anyone carry light switches, you ask? Well, when my son, Max, was just two, he had a penchant for stripping off his clothes and racing around the house, flicking off every light he could reach. While he generally kept his clothes on in public, those little hands were always on the hunt for buttons, knobs, and anything else that piqued his interest. Elevators were a constant source of anxiety, and fire alarms? Don’t even get me started.
On a particularly chaotic trip to the hardware store, where I thought I might lose my mind as Max explored the doorknobs, it hit me: these simple plastic rectangles were possibly the best toys I had ever bought. When he lunged for elevator buttons or eyed a fire alarm with mischief, those light switches kept him occupied and out of trouble.
I can only imagine how I must have looked while waiting in line to renew my driver’s license, with Max perched on my hip, toggling those switches up and down. I probably raised a few eyebrows at the dentist’s office and the bank, too. And let’s not forget how confused Max probably was—every time he flicked those switches, he scanned the room, expecting something to happen, only to be met with the same old scenery.
It may have seemed odd, but it was a solution that worked for us. In a world flooded with parenting advice from social media, blogs, and well-meaning strangers, no one would have suggested that carrying two light switches could help manage a curious toddler. Yet, for us, it was perfect.
By embracing the unconventional, I gave myself permission to think outside the box when it came to parenting. I learned to face my son’s challenges with creativity and to foster his interests. Most importantly, I realized that sometimes, you just have to do what fits your family, even if it looks a little silly.
Being a mom is all about those unique experiences. We are a collective of individuals, each with our own stories and struggles, and we thrive when we share them. If you’re looking for more relatable content, check out one of our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit. For those interested in the ins and outs of self-insemination, Make A Mom is a fantastic resource, and the ACOG offers excellent information on treating infertility and home insemination.
In summary, carrying two light switches taught me that parenting often requires creativity and a willingness to embrace the unconventional. What works for one family may seem bizarre to another, but the most important thing is finding solutions that fit your unique situation.
Keyphrase: Parenting lessons from unconventional toys
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